Barcelona Starts Title Defense Against Mallorca Amid Key Absences

Barcelona kicks off its LaLiga title defense this Saturday at Son Moix, backed by a strong preseason but facing key absences and unresolved squad registrations. With doubts over Robert Lewandowski and new signings still unregistered, Hansi Flick’s side meets an ambitious Mallorca eager to start the season with a statement.

Goalkeeper Situation and Attack Doubts

The Catalan club awaits confirmation to field goalkeeper Joan García, after LaLiga’s medical commission ruled Marc-André ter Stegen’s back injury as long-term, allowing a salary slot to register him. Until then, Iñaki Peña remains the only available first-team keeper, as new arrivals Marcus Rashford, Gerard Martín, and Wojciech Szczesny are also pending registration.

Up front, Lewandowski is a serious doubt with a muscle issue, paving the way for Ferran Torres to lead the attack, supported on the wings by Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. In the playmaking role, Fermín López, who scored twice in the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como, has the edge over Dani Olmo, though the latter is back in full training.

All the Goals